Goodbye Atlanta

First, the Flames. Now, the Thrashers. The struggling NHL franchise was sold Tuesday to a group that will move it to Winnipeg next season, making Atlanta the first city in the league’s modern era to lose two teams. The Flames left for Calgary in 1980. The Thrashers are following them to Canada three decades later. The news sparked a raucous celebration (above) in Manitoba’s largest city, which is rejoining the league after losing the Jets to Phoenix in 1996. The new team could also be known as the Jets, though a decision on the name has not been reached. The Thrashers name – which was coined by former owner Ted Turner and referred to the state bird of Georgia – will not be going north of the border. – Associated Press